Paolo is Italian, Carla is Mexican. Together they created Maravilla, a responsible and conscious children’s brand based on Mexican ancestral know-how. Made out of organic cotton and natural wool, all clothes are handmade by female artisans in Mexico.
The couple met ten years ago, while they were both living in Italy. An economist, Paolo lived in Brazil and in Argentina, while Carla, a designer, spent much time in Germany. Both worked several years in Paris : him in finance, helping large companies with their buying strategy, her in cosmetics for the luxury industry.
Two years ago, while expecting their son Santiago, they decided to join forces. Paolo was determined to work in social entrepreneurship, Carla had always been attracted by the idea of re-inventing products inspired by Mexican traditions and so the beautiful concept of Maravilla came quite naturally to this talented and multi-cultural duo.
During their frequent trips to Latin America, Paolo and Carla confess they were always very attracted by the vibrant colours, by the graphics and textures of the fabrics, and by the know-how of the artisans. But they were also disturbed by the fact that it seemed quite impossible for locals to keep that know-how alive, or to make it sustainable.
“We thought it was a real pity to see that ancient traditions were slowly disappearing, like hand wool knitting, cotton embroidery, or waving. We started to visit artisanal co-operatives that were very specialised, with great potential but that were not going to make it financially. Social vocation has been a great motivation for us. We decided to help these Mexican women to find a form of social and economical self-sufficiency while creating our own brand. So Maravilla is a mix of our own work experience, artisanal Mexican know-how and a Latin American influence/style”, explains Paolo.
Woven Ikat represents an important part of the Maravilla collection : 100% cotton, produced on mechanically operated looms, without using any electrical energy. In the same way, knits an embroideries are made out of natural yarns. Each collection introduces new products based on different techniques that are based on ecological and natural materials, and that respect the life rhythm of people who produce them.
Today Maravilla is mainly present in Europe as the brand is based in Paris, but the collection is also available in New York, Canada and Kuwait. Here’s a selection of stores that carry the brand : Abacus UK, Tiny Store Berlin, Making Things Zurich, Mercredi Bruxelles, Minimal à Vien.
This winter, Maravilla is introducing home decor products as well as women’s knits, exclusively available in Le Marais, Paris in a cool store not to miss, called Gachon Pothier.
Maravilla will attend the following professional trade shows with its F/W 2015-2016 collection:
– Playtime Paris – January 31 till February 2nd of 2015
– Little Fashion Week Brussels – February 14-16 of 2015 (open to the public on Sunday Feb 16th)
Florence Rolando
Launched in London in early 2009 by Florence Rolando (journalist, co-founder of Bubble Trade Shows) Pirouette Blog has been a reference in the industry since 2009 with its combined business and consumer view of the children’s market. A fantastic resource for children’s fashion, design, trends and culture, it aims to support creativity and talent but it also does this by talking about life, family, culture and health.
Florence is an international leader in the industry (8 years as a Milk Collaborator, contributor to Naif Magazine in Spain, co-founder of Bubble Trade Shows in New York and London).
Now Florence runs Energy Therapy Porto @enrgy_therapy_porto
Subscribe to Pirouette's monthly Newsletter.
You might also like
April 8, 2024
Unduetrestella DESIGN WEEK
Kids PR agency Unduetrestella announces their design week 2024 Unduetrestella DESIGN WEEK is proud to collaborate for the first time with TOG Together To Go, on the occasion of the 2024…
April 8, 2024
PR Agency: Unduetrestella
Unduetrestella, Milan, Italy.Unduetrestella works with design and lifestyle brands related to children and families. In recent years, in Italy, the interest in the space dedicated to kids domestic…
March 28, 2024
Sticky Lemon creates new clothes collection
Bold and colourful, Sticky Lemon is much loved for their range of bags and accessories. Now they've added clothes to the mix.I often get asked in interviews ‘what draws your attention to a…
March 27, 2024
Bobo Choses opens new flagship store.
New bricks & mortar store for Bobo Choses Bobo Choses has opened a new flagship store, Rambla de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain & we are sending our congratulations! Here’s a little…
March 20, 2024
Do you know Little Cotton Clothes?
Quality collection with a hint of English countryside Sisters and mums, Imogen & Leonie threw caution to the wind after both starting a family by then starting to design their own kidswear…
March 4, 2024
Vida Kids
Vida Kids, London, UK.Celebrating 20 years in 2023, Vida Kids represents childrenswear and lifestyle brands from around the world. Their showroom and office is located in Islington, London. When…
March 1, 2024
Introducing ‘True Artist’, the new kidswear brand by Bobo Choses’ Founder Adriana Esperalba
True Artist is a new Spanish brand that offers a wide range of kidswear and accessories exploring the world of emotions, the virtual and the intangible through art. Their colourful designs are…
February 27, 2024
The Little Red Planet
Mindi Smith talks to us about The Little Red Planet, her children's boutique based in Sag Harbor, New YorkLaunched online in September 2018, the first brick ‘n mortar followed in Dec 2018.…
February 8, 2024
All eyes on NYC this weekend!
It’s all eye’s on Playtime New York & Kids Hub this weekend, Pirouette will be state side for all three days in the city that never sleeps. February 11-13, 2024 Metropolitan Pavilion